THE DINNER TABLE WAS SET FOR 5: Just 2 Days Before His Death, Ozzy Osbourne Asked to Cook a Full Meal for His Family — But Left One Chair Mysteriously Empty

On July 22, 2025, the world lost Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman, who passed away at 76 in Birmingham, England, surrounded by his family. Just two days earlier, on July 20, 2025, a heartwarming yet enigmatic moment unfolded at the Osbourne family home in Buckinghamshire. Ozzy, despite his frail health from Parkinson’s disease and spinal injuries, insisted on cooking a full meal for his family, setting the table for five. A video shared by his daughter Kelly Osbourne captured the scene, but one detail has left fans and family puzzled: an empty chair at the table. This article explores the significance of this poignant moment, Ozzy’s final days, and the speculation surrounding the mysterious empty chair.

The Final Days: A Family United

Ozzy Osbourne’s final weeks were marked by a triumphant return to his roots. On July 5, 2025, he performed his last concert, “Back to the Beginning,” at Villa Park in Birmingham, reuniting with Black Sabbath’s original lineup—Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—for the first time in 20 years. The event, organized by his wife, Sharon Osbourne, featured a five-song solo set with hits like “Crazy Train” and a four-song Black Sabbath performance, including “Paranoid.” Despite his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2003 and a 2019 fall that left him wheelchair-bound, Ozzy performed seated on a bat-adorned throne, telling the 42,000-strong crowd, “You’ve got no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” The concert raised $189 million for charities like Cure Parkinson’s and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Two days before his death, Ozzy was at home, surrounded by family. Kelly Osbourne shared a video on her Instagram Story showing a cozy morning scene: Ozzy, wearing headphones, sat at a kitchen table with Kelly and her two-year-old son, Sidney, reading newspapers like the Sunday Mirror. Kelly’s cheerful “Good morning!” prompted Ozzy to lean forward and echo, “Good morning!” That same day, Ozzy requested to cook a family meal, a rare endeavor given his health. The table was set for five, with Sharon, Kelly, Jack, and Aimee present, but one chair remained empty, sparking intrigue among fans after the video surfaced.

The Meal and the Empty Chair

The dinner, described by a family friend to The Daily Mail, was a traditional English roast with all the trimmings—roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and vegetables—prepared with help from a home nurse. Ozzy, though physically limited, was adamant about contributing, reportedly stirring sauces and directing the setup. The table, set for five, included places for Sharon, Kelly, Jack, Aimee, and, mysteriously, one empty chair. The video Kelly shared briefly panned across the table, showing the untouched place setting, which fans on X and TikTok have since analyzed obsessively, with one post noting, “Why the extra chair? Was Ozzy expecting someone or honoring someone?”

Speculation about the empty chair has run rampant. Some fans believe it was a symbolic gesture for Ozzy’s children from his first marriage to Thelma Riley—Jessica, Louis, or adopted son Elliot—who were not present. Louis signed the family’s statement after Ozzy’s death, but Jessica and Elliot were notably absent, hinting at strained relations. Others suggest the chair was for a departed friend, like guitarist Randy Rhoads, who died in a 1982 plane crash and was a pivotal figure in Ozzy’s solo career. A popular theory on X posits that the chair was left empty for Ozzy himself, reflecting his awareness of his impending mortality, especially given his frail state and recent discussions about assisted suicide with Sharon.

Ozzy’s Health and Family Dynamics

Ozzy’s health struggles were well-documented. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003, he kept it private until 2020. A 2019 fall necessitated multiple spinal surgeries, leaving him reliant on a wheelchair. Despite this, Ozzy’s spirit remained defiant. His surprise 2022 Commonwealth Games performance and the Villa Park concert showcased his resilience. Sharon, his wife and manager since 1982, was instrumental in these efforts, renovating their Buckinghamshire home with a “rehab wing” and organizing his final show. The couple’s openness about end-of-life plans, including a 2023 podcast discussion about assisted suicide, fueled speculation, though Kelly debunked exaggerated “suicide pact” claims on July 11, 2025.

The Osbourne family was a complex tapestry. Ozzy and Sharon’s children—Aimee, Kelly, and Jack—were prominent in The Osbournes (2002–2005), while Aimee opted for privacy. Ozzy’s children from his first marriage—Jessica, Louis, and Elliot—had less public presence, with Ozzy admitting in a Daily Mail interview that he was a “bad father” to them. The absence of Jessica and Elliot from the family’s statement after his death, contrasted with Louis’s inclusion, suggests ongoing tensions, possibly linked to a rumored “secret second will.” The empty chair could symbolize these unresolved dynamics, though no family member has confirmed its intent.

Fans’ Reaction and Speculation

The video of the family meal, shared on Kelly’s Instagram and reposted widely after Ozzy’s death, has amassed millions of views, with a TikTok post gaining over 2 million likes. Fans have flooded X with theories, with some calling the empty chair “Ozzy’s final mystery.” One user wrote, “He set a place for someone who wasn’t there—maybe it was for all of us, his fans.” Others see it as a nod to his Birmingham roots, with the chair representing his connection to the city. A fan petition on Change.org, with thousands of signatures, calls for a statue of Ozzy in Birmingham, reflecting the emotional weight of his final acts.

Tributes from peers like Metallica, who called Ozzy a “hero, icon, pioneer,” and Elton John, who described him as a “dear friend,” underscore his impact. The meal, prepared with love, aligns with Ozzy’s desire to connect, seen in his Comic Con Midlands appearance on July 10, where he met fans and played with their children despite his frailty. A fan, Pip Marsh, told The Mirror that Ozzy was “on top form,” acting “all funny” with a baby, highlighting his warmth even in his final days.

The Legacy of a Rock Icon

Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy spans his role as a heavy metal pioneer with Black Sabbath’s Paranoid and solo hits like “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” selling over 55 million albums. The Osbournes softened his “Prince of Darkness” image, revealing a loving, chaotic family man. His 2006 and 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions cement his influence. The empty chair, whether a deliberate gesture or an oversight, has become a symbol of his enigmatic persona, inviting fans to reflect on his life’s complexities—his triumphs, regrets, and unwavering love for his family and audience.

Conclusion: A Mystery That Endures

Ozzy Osbourne’s final family meal, set for five with one chair empty, is a haunting snapshot of his last days. Whether the chair was for a missing family member, a lost friend, or a symbolic nod to his own mortality, it encapsulates the raw humanity that defined him. As fans mourn, they are honoring his legacy by sharing his music and stories, ensuring the “Prince of Darkness” remains immortal. Sharon, Kelly, Jack, and Aimee, grieving in Buckinghamshire, face the challenge of carrying forward Ozzy’s light, while the empty chair lingers as a poignant reminder of a life lived loudly and loved deeply.